Prof. Dr. Volker Busskamp

In order to understand how parts of the human brain, especially the retina, function in health and disease, our research focus is to reverse engineer functional human neuronal circuits from scratch combining neuroscience with stem cell research and bioengineering. This highly interdisciplinary approach unites molecular biology, human stem cell differentiation, nano/microfabrication, imaging techniques, optogenetics and electrophysiology to engineer and analyze the fabricated human neuronal circuits. Our goal is to generate the basic parts, namely electrically active neurons in various subtypes, in high yields. Using this ability, it is possible to create meaningful model systems such as retinal organoids or 2D retinal circuits. Exploration of novel therapeutic interventions through gene regulation and genome editing will help retain and regain eyesight. Furthermore, from an engineering point of view, we aim to create biological computers using living cells to compute signals as our brain does with extreme efficiency to learn about their dynamics and compare them to theoretical models and simulation.